Himachal Pradesh Plans To Allocate 40% Subsidy For E-Vehicles

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday announced that the state will issue new permits for 1,000 private bus routes and offer subsidies of up to 40 percent on electric vehicles, including buses and tempo travellers.

Speaking at the All India Motor Transport Congress’ ‘National Truck and Bus Meet’ in Gandhi Gram, under the Kasauli Assembly Constituency in Solan district, Sukhu said the move was part of broader efforts to fully electrify the public transport sector.

Six green corridors have already been established across the state, with 41 additional EV charging stations to be set up soon, he said. The government is also offering 100 percent road tax exemption and 50 percent special road tax exemption on e-commercial vehicle registrations.

“All petrol and diesel auto-rickshaws in the state will be replaced by e-auto rickshaws to help protect the environment,” Sukhu said.

Himachal Pradesh, one of India’s top tourist destinations, is witnessing growing environmental pressure due to rising tourist numbers, the chief minister said. He called for strengthening tourism infrastructure with a focus on sustainability.

“I have been using an e-vehicle for quite some time, and it is very economical,” he said, adding that the government plans to convert 3,000 petrol and diesel vehicles into electric vehicles this year. The transition will begin with e-vehicle deployment across government offices in Hamirpur district.

Targeting Green Status by 2026

The state aims to become a green energy state by March 2026, Sukhu said, through policy reforms promoting electric vehicles and clean energy infrastructure.

“This event is not only linked to Himachal Pradesh’s sustainable development but also contributes to shaping future environmental sustainability strategies,” he said.

Transport emissions account for 16–20 percent of greenhouse gases, Sukhu noted, adding that the growing number of conventional vehicles posed a major threat to the state’s fragile ecology.

As part of its green push, the state has launched the ₹680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Start-up Yojana, which provides 50 percent subsidies to youth purchasing e-taxis. These vehicles are being linked to various government departments and agencies. Fifty e-taxis have been deployed so far, with another 50 expected to be approved by May 10.

Dignitaries Attend High-Profile Event

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, Industry Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan, MLAs Vinod Sultanpuri and Sanjay Awasthi, and senior officials from tourism, industry and finance departments attended the event.

Also present were National President of the All India Motor Transport Congress Dr Harish Sabharwal, Co-President Rakesh Trehan, and Conference Chairman Bhim Wadhwa.